Former Detroit Tigers shortstop Tom Veryzer dies at 61

Tom Veryzer, who played a dozen years in the major leagues and was Detroit's shortstop before Alan Trammell took over in the late 1970s, has died. He was 61.

The Tigers confirmed Veryzer died this week, as did the Overton Funeral Home in Islip, N.Y. A viewing is scheduled for Thursday at the home.

Veryzer played for the Tigers from 1973-77, then spent four years with Cleveland. He played one season with the New York Mets and two with the Chicago Cubs to finish his career.

He played 996 games and batted .241 for his career. In his final season, he was part of the Chicago team that won the National League East in 1984.

He is survived by his wife, Vivian, and three children, Thomas, William and Jennifer.